This is ROMEO’s STORY. 

Romeo’s days are numbered, he has been diagnosed with Cancer: Mast cells and Osteosarcoma.  Although Romeo had the mast cells removed, the tumor in his left hind femor was so big there was nothing that could be done. Due to the fact that Romeo has severe spodylosis in his spine,  he’s not a candidate for amputation.

Despite the bitterness of this news, Romeo and his family took on an adventure by starting a Bucket List. Romeo is smiling  back at the disease with dignity, love and happiness by doing something fun each day. “Romeo doesn’t want to spend his final days sad! Because when Romeo knows his mom is upset,  he’s upset” 

Romeo’s mom Riina, remembers the good times when he was healthy. Romeo lived on a farm for a couple years. “These were Romeo’s happiest times! Acres and acres to run around on with his little brother Yoshi the Boston/Pug, my horses and he even loved my cats. (Still sleeps with them)”

Riina also remembers the impact Romeo had on many people. She works with people with developmental disabilities and Romeo used to accompany  her to work.  He was so kind and gentle with people which made everybody fall in love with his charismatic attitude and slobbery kisses, and not to mention how he made their days so special! 

So far Romeo  marked out from the Bucket List: eating  a McDonalds Cheeseburger, Paw delivered a cash donation to less fortunate doggie friends at the Coquitlam Animal Shelter, howling happily away along with the sirens from a police car in Vancouver , a  ride in a fire truck and police car.  The last update about Rome’s adventure was Day 14- “Go collar shoppin with Mom.  Mom said I ain’t goin down wearing my old smelly collar. Some nice ladies at the store helped me pick the plaid one. Goes with my {fortune}”

“It has been an amazing journey and I haven’t cried since. Romeo has a lot of supporters through this. He’s very lucky!”

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 THANKS ROMEO FOR INSPIRING US and TOUCHING OUR HEARTS! xoxoxo

UPDATE: 

January 27th 2014 Romeo wrote to his Facebook friends: I’m going to have to say bye to you all very soon. My vet took X-rays of my leg tonight and the tumor has grown so big the bone is starting to fracture. Love you all, Romeo.

January 28th 2014. Romeo’s Bucket List: Day 24: have some Spaghetti! Mom made it with my favorite sauce, peanut butter! Yum yum in my tum!

January 28th 2014. Romeo’s mom wrote: Feeling pretty blessed right about now. Our friends from Boxer Rescue Canada have done something so special to honor Romeo. Many of them have changed their profile pics to their fav pic of Romeo until he has safely crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge. Thank you! Romeo feels the love!

March 1st 2014: Romeo celebrated his 9th Birthday  Party at Lafarge Lake. There was cake for the dogs and coffee and Timbits for the humans! They also collected donations for Boxer rescue and Charlie’s place downtown for the homeless pets  blankets, beds, collars, leashes, food etc or good old cash works too!

March 2nd 2014: Romeo launches his own Facebook page “Romeo the Boxer”

March 16th the following post was published on Romeo’s Facebook page: This morning at 9:30, I peacefully left this world. I was in my Mom’s arms and in the comfort of my own home. Thank you for following my story and for all the amazing support. Love you all, Romeo.

Romeo the Boxer and his Bucket List celebrated his 9th birthday with many other dog lovers while collecting items to donate to dogs in need!